Monastery (Ad Deir) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Monastery. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Petra Back Trail Hike to the Monastery with Local Guide

• Private Petra Back Entrance Tour with Guide

• Half-Day Private Indiana Jones Petra Back Road Trail Tour

• Petra Private Tour From the Dead Sea with Monastery and Lunch

• Petra Back-Road Trail and Hike

The Monastery is included in your Petra ticket. A 1-day pass costs 1 dinar for Jordanians, 50 dinars for international travelers who are visiting Jordan for more than one day, and 90 dinars for international travelers who are visiting Jordan for just one day. Other options for travelers include 2-day passes for 55 dinars and 3-day passes for 60 dinars.

Yes, the Monastery is well worth visiting: This dramatic site more than justifies the hike up from the lower levels, while the trail in from Little Petra is also spectacular if you have time. Bigger and less crowded than the Treasury below, it's one of Petra's must-sees. A guide is essential if you're taking the long route in from Little Petra, and can add invaluable context to what you see even if you only explore Petra.

Per one customer who booked the Petra Back Trail Hike to the Monastery with Local Guide, "Lovely experience! Anas was knowledgeable, kind, and patient. We learned so much and he took so many pictures for us. He does a great job giving you a heads up before you enter a crowded area that you'll be given an option to shop, go to a picture spot, ride donkeys, etc. so that we could make a choice without feeling pressured. Going through the back was definitely the move. Others going through the front have to climb 800+ stairs in the heat to reach the Monastery."

The Monastery is the tallest stone facade in Petra, the rock-cut city constructed some 2,000 years ago in southern Jordan by an ancient, desert-dwelling Arab tribe known as the Nabateans. Nicknamed after the monks that may have lived here in Byzantine times, the structure was likely a memorial built for a Nabatean king.

Getting to the Monastery involves a short but steep trek. Follow the main trail through the ancient city toward Basin Restaurant. The Ad Deir trail picks up just after the eatery. Be warned, it’s all uphill and mercilessly unshaded. Some travelers ride a donkey to the top, but the condition of the animals makes this practice controversial.

The two monuments are very similar in appearance. While they have almost the same design, the Monastery is far larger, and many travelers consider it even more impressive. That said, the Treasury is far easier to get to, so if you have limited time or energy, don’t feel bad for not seeing both.

The uphill climb toward the Monastery only goes in one direction, making it easy for independent travelers to navigate it independently. But having a local Bedouin guide is recommended. You will be able to branch off the beaten path and also get insights into the region’s history and culture.

Don’t skimp on sun protection. The daytime sun can be uncomfortably powerful year-round; avoid the strongest midday rays if possible. Wear a hat and sturdy shoes. If you’re worried about keeping your balance (the stone steps are uneven), consider taking along hiking poles or a walking stick. And don’t forget to stay hydrated.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Monastery. According to travelers, these are some of the top Petra attractions:

• Petra

• Little Petra

• Siq

• Petra Royal Tombs

• Petra Roman Theater

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Petra.